Advances in the practice management software are redefining workflows, connecting technology, and reshaping how practices work, serve patients, and stay profitable
As the dental industry continues to grow and evolve with new technology, clinicians are constantly searching for ways to keep up. Practice management systems such as Dentrix have been an efficient tool for organizing data and communicating with patients. But Dentrix has evolved into something much greater: the central point connecting all the digital elements of the practice—from the front desk to the operatories.
Dentrix, through reinventing workflows and making incremental changes to its practice management software, is on a mission to help dental practitioners define what a clinical digital workflow means. These changes come in the form of intuitive software updates like the new Dentrix G7.
The update includes features to connect integrated eServices and the clinical workflow with the practice management system.
“We looked at what’s happening in the dental industry at large and created connected solutions that will streamline efficiencies in the practice,” said Brad Royer, Senior Product Manager at Henry Schein.
Why Choose Dentrix?
Dr. Fred H. Peck, who specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry in his Cincinnati, OH, practice, has been using Dentrix software to streamline his office for the past 20 years. “I was at Chicago Midwinter and I went up to each practice management booth. If I couldn’t figure out how to create a new patient myself and set up an appointment without them telling me how, I thought it was too difficult,” he shared. When he got to the Dentrix booth, he was able to set up an appointment and a new family without any assistance from Henry Schein representatives. “I was able to do things myself just because it’s very intuitive,” shared Dr. Peck. “That’s why I bought the system.”
Reimagining Imaging
Perhaps the most exciting feature of Dentrix G7 is Dentrix Smart Image. “Because of changes in the landscape of imaging partners, we’ve taken the connected philosophy and extended it so that any imaging vendor that wants to integrate into Dentrix can now do so,” said Royer, adding that practitioners now get to decide which vendors will be most profitable for them.
Image thumbnails from the vendor will be stored in the Dentrix Patient Chart, where they can be opened, zoomed in on, and optimized using a diagnostic viewer. You also can select and view up to 6 patient images at once from 2D or 3D image types.
Dentrix Smart Image is designed to streamline the clinical workflow by allowing clinicians to select the right image, at the right time, with the right sensor. From the Dentrix Patient Chart, imaging can be initiated by simply selecting the procedure and CDT code. The correct sensor will be automatically primed, while completed images are auto-saved to the Ledger by Dentrix and the patient record is updated—saving a lot of time. “Instead of just taking the x-ray and then having to manipulate all these things about where the x-ray goes, it’s going to be more intuitive,” said Dr. Peck. “I’m definitely looking forward to that.”
Coming to the Dentrix Hub
According to Dr. Peck, Henry Schein One has been doing a great job over the past several years in soliciting user feedback and putting those suggestions back into updates. Dentrix G7 incorporates the most user-requested feature, the groundbreaking Health History Module. “It’s the ability to have this quick snapshot where you’re evaluating conditions against allergies. That all now exists in this Health History Module that ties in very closely with patient questionnaires,” explained Royer.
The Health History Module will store everything from patients’ allergies, conditions, and medical alerts. Better yet, allergies or medical conditions checked off by patients in the Questionnaire Module will automatically transfer into this quick health snapshot that can be seen from everywhere in Dentrix.
“My hygienist likes the Health History Module update,” said Dr. Peck. “We update information every time a patient comes in for hygiene care, so it’s now easier to do that. It takes a little less time and it gets done quicker and more efficiently.”
Another feature that’s gained high marks in Dr. Peck’s office is Dentrix Passwords. Based on multilayered security practices, all users are now required to use passwords in Dentrix that require higher complexity and expiration. Automatic resets are issued every 90, 180, or 365 days, or an immediate system-wide password reset. “I like the new password requirements. We had a HIPAA consultant come in this year and really review all of our security policies, and new password requirements fit in perfectly with that,” said Dr. Peck.
Features that Simplify
Another feature to look out for in Dentrix G7 is a month-end task scheduler that users can set and forget. Users can schedule all month-end tasks and reports to run automatically, without having to close out of Dentrix. Dr. Peck said it’s a feature that’s made management of day-to-day tasks for his office staff much simpler and freed up more time for them to focus on patients.
“It’s all automated now,” said Dr. Peck. “We don’t have to kick everyone out of the system to close the month. It just happens behind the scenes and resets everything for the next month.” Communicating with patients is easier, too. Gone are the days of jumping on the phone after last-minute cancellations. An intuitive fill appointment feature lets users send a custom text message about open appointments to groups of patients on specific lists, without leaving Dentrix. “What I do is dentistry, but I’m hearing a lot of good things from my staff on which features they like and how Dentrix is making their lives easier,” said Dr. Peck. “If I were to start all over—and there’s a lot of different software systems on the market today—I would still pick Dentrix.”
